Milton – This morning just before 2 a.m. Pendleton Trooper Scott McPheeters was southbound on State Road 1 in Milton when he saw a black four wheel drive Chevy S10 pickup northbound on SR1 coming towards him. As he got closer to the truck it drove left of center. Driving left of center when not permitted is a leading cause of serious crashes in Indiana and is often an indicator of an intoxicated driver.

As Trooper McPheeters turned around he observed the truck go left of center and continue north bound in the south bound lane. He quickly caught up and activated his lights to stop the vehicle.  The truck pulled back into the northbound lane and promptly stopped in the roadway.

After making contact with the driver, Brent A. King, 22, of Richmond, McPheeters took him into custody for Operating While Intoxicated. Further investigation revealed Mr. King was also in Possession of Marijuana with a Previous Conviction, which makes the charge a class “D” Felony.  King was lodged in the Wayne County Jail.

The Indiana State Police remain committed to reducing crashes and patrolling in high crash areas.  We continue to monitor the top causes for crashes, and concentrating enforcement efforts on these causes. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.